SPRINGFIELD — Library officials are expected to meet Thursday to discuss the feasibility of a new downtown building. In December, the library board paid $225,000 for a Main Street lot near Fairgrounds Lane, according to property records.

A warehouse was demolished there and an approximately 10,000 square-feet library is expected to be erected on the site to replace the current 49-year-old building.

The new Washington County Public Library is expected to double the size of the existing structure.

A series of public meetings will likely be planned later this year to solicit community ideas about the new library, said Library Director Tara O’Hagan.

Last year, several community members and officials successfully lobbied to keep the new building downtown.

O’Hagan said the lot will likely be planted with flowers this spring and serve as a reading and activities garden until construction plans are finalized.